Overview
The National Water Hygiene scheme is standard UK water industry certification programme to ensure the protection of public health and promoting safe drinking water practices. It is a criminal offence to supply water unfit for human consumption.
AMP8 will require more than twice the number of qualified personnel to deliver the outputs required by Water Companies. Make sure your workforce is certified.
Who is it for
Any person working on a clean water site or “Restricted Operations area” at sites such as; water pumping stations, service reservoirs, water treatment works, wells, springs and boreholes or working on the network of water mains and service pipes must be in possession of an in date National Water Hygiene card
When do the courses run?
The 90 Minute E-learning and can be attended at any time that suits you. It is approximately 60 minutes of e-learning and 30 minutes for revision and online assessment.
If you would like to request trainer led training please contact us here
Why EUSR National Water Training?
Any person working on a clean water site or “Restricted Operations area” at sites such as; water pumping stations, service reservoirs, water treatment works, wells, springs and boreholes or working on the network of water mains and service pipes must be in possession of an in date National Water Hygiene card
Learning Outcomes
The e-learning scheme consists of 10 modules covering awareness of safe water hygiene practices:
- Module 1: Preventing contamination
- Module 2: The importance of water
- Module 3: Water Is Food
- Module 4: Water as a carrier of disease
- Module 5: Restricted Operations
- Module 6: Potential causes and consequences of contamination: Water Treatment and Storage
- Module 7: Potential causes and consequences of contamination: Water Network
- Module 8: Preventing Contamination
- Module 9: Disinfection
- Module 10: Ensuring Quality: Sampling and Audit
Health Screening Requirement
The first part of the EUSR National Water Hygiene training includes a mandatory health pre-screening. This applies to anyone working in roles with potential contact with treated water – such as water networks, treatment works, or water sampling.
Candidates must pass both the health screening and the assessment to receive their EUSR card.
Assessment
This training is delivered through self paced e-learning. If you would like this training delivered in person at your site or offices please contact us.
e-Learning (with associated e-Assessment), is accessed via EUSR’s XAMS e-Learning portal. The exam usually takes 30 minutes and can be completed at the end of the course.
A health screening questionnaire must be completed by all individuals prior to the training and assessment. In this questionnaire, you must declare whether you have, or have had in the preceding 12 months, any of these illnesses:
- Typhoid
- Paratyphoid
- Dysentery
- Persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
- Jaundice or Hepatitis (A or E)
- Prolonged unexplained fever
What are the questions for the National Water Hygiene test?
We want to make sure you pass. You can request practice questions similar to those in the training.
Key Information
Duration: It is approximately 60 minutes of e-learning and 30 minutes for revision and online assessment.
E-learning: can be attended at any time that suits you.
Group Bookings: can be arranged in-person or as an E-classroom on request.
If you would like to request trainer led training please contact us here.
Certification is usually issued with 48hours of completing the training but can be fast tracked if required and lasts for 3 years.
Cost – £130.00 + VAT
Pricing & Booking

Water - Area Manager
“The E-learning is a great alternative to travelling to a classroom. We were able to sit the training while we waited for the weather to clear up. The team are very helpful, it was nice to be able to pick up the phone and speak to a real person – Thanks for your help Clio!”
Course Content
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Benefits for Learners and Managers
- Improved safety culture: Personnel gain an appreciation of the role of functional safety in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding IEC 61511 and related standards helps organisations meet legislative requirements and industry best practice.
- Enhanced competence: The course forms part of the CompEx competency pathway, supporting future progression to more advanced modules.
- Cross‑functional awareness: Both technical and non‑technical staff develop a shared language and understanding, improving collaboration across departments.
- Cost‑effective training: With no prerequisites and flexible delivery options, FSF is an accessible introduction to functional safety for a broad audience.
Course Content
- Functional safety principles – introduction to functional safety, safety integrity levels (SIL) and the role of SIS.
- Standards and regulation – overview of IEC 61511 and IEC 61508, differences between sector‑specific standards and how they integrate with ATEX/DSEAR requirements.
- Lifecycle phases – hazard and risk analysis, specification of SIFs, design and engineering, installation, validation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Testing and proof concepts – types of proof testing, coverage and interpretation of test results.
- Overrides, inhibits and management of change – safe management of overrides and inhibits, and the importance of robust procedures.
- Assessments and audits – conducting functional safety assessments and audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Course Content
FAQs
Benefits for Learners and Managers
Completing the Functional Safety Foundation course delivers the following benefits:
- Improved safety culture: Personnel gain an appreciation of the role of functional safety in preventing accidents and reducing risk.
- Regulatory compliance: Understanding IEC 61511 and related standards helps organisations meet legislative requirements and industry best practice.
- Enhanced competence: The course forms part of the CompEx competency pathway, supporting future progression to more advanced modules.
- Cross‑functional awareness: Both technical and non‑technical staff develop a shared language and understanding, improving collaboration across departments.
- Cost‑effective training: With no prerequisites and flexible delivery options, FSF is an accessible introduction to functional safety for a broad audience.
Course Content
- Functional safety principles – introduction to functional safety, safety integrity levels (SIL) and the role of SIS.
- Standards and regulation – overview of IEC 61511 and IEC 61508, differences between sector‑specific standards and how they integrate with ATEX/DSEAR requirements.
- Lifecycle phases – hazard and risk analysis, specification of SIFs, design and engineering, installation, validation, operation, maintenance and decommissioning.
- Testing and proof concepts – types of proof testing, coverage and interpretation of test results.
- Overrides, inhibits and management of change – safe management of overrides and inhibits, and the importance of robust procedures.
- Assessments and audits – conducting functional safety assessments and audits to ensure compliance and continuous improvement.
Course Outcomes
- Understand IEC 61511 and related functional safety standards.
- Describe functional safety lifecycle phases.
- Recognise operation, maintenance, testing and audit requirements for safety instrumented functions.
- Apply basic risk reduction strategies and appreciate the role of safety systems in hazardous industries.
Who Should Attend
- Operators, maintenance technicians and supervisors
- Process engineers, asset engineers and plant managers.
- HSE advisors, project managers and other personnel requiring functional safety awareness.
- Open to technical and non‑technical staff – no prerequisites.
Delivery & Pricing
- Duration: Two‑day theory‑only course (8–10 hours guided learning).
- Formats: In person at our Sunbury‑on‑Thames centre, live virtual classroom or on‑site delivery for groups.
- Cost: Price on application; discounts available for group bookings.
- Upcoming dates: Please contact us for the next available session.
Certification & Recognition
- Awarded the CompEx Functional Safety Foundation Certificate on passing the exam.
- Assessment via online multiple‑choice exam (30 questions, 45 minutes).
- Certification demonstrates understanding of functional safety principles and supports progression within the CompEx competency pathway.
FAQs
General
The scheme is designed to ensure that anyone working with water supply systems understands the importance of maintaining hygiene and preventing contamination. It is a key requirement for professionals in the water industry in the UK.
The card is required for anyone involved in the drinking water supply chain, including water engineers, contractors, site workers, and inspectors.
Both! Whether you’re an individual looking to advance your career or an organization aiming to certify your staff, this course is designed for all participants.
No prior experience is necessary. The course is suitable for beginners as well as experienced professionals seeking certification or renewal.
Course Details
The course typically takes X hours to complete, but you can study at your own pace and access the materials whenever it suits you.
The course covers:
- The importance of water hygiene
- Risks of water contamination
- Standards and regulations in water operations
- Best practices for maintaining safe drinking water systems
As this is an e-learning course, the training is theoretical and includes interactive modules, videos, and quizzes to ensure understanding. Practical application will occur on-site during your work.
Yes, there is an online assessment at the end of the course to test your knowledge. You must pass this to receive your certification.
Certification
Upon successful completion, you will receive a National Water Hygiene Card (commonly known as the Blue Card), which is valid for 3 years.
Once you pass the assessment, your card will be processed and sent to your registered address within X days.
Yes, this course is suitable for those renewing their National Water Hygiene certification.
Yes, the National Water Hygiene Card is widely recognized and required for water industry professionals across the UK.
E-Learning Platform
You only need an internet connection and a device like a computer, tablet, or smartphone. The course platform is accessible from all modern browsers.
Absolutely! The course is self-paced, so you can stop and resume your training at any time.
Our support team is available to assist you with any technical difficulties. Simply contact us via [email/contact form].
Yes, we offer options for group registrations with potential discounts for bulk enrollments.
For more information or to book your place, contact the ECFIO team on 01932 963463 or email support@ecfio.co.uk.